Local celebrities, philanthropists and supporters gathered at the Orleans Arena for The Animal Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, the 10th Annual “Best In Show,” presented by Zappos.com, last Sunday. The American Kennel Club-style dog show was hosted by entertainment legend Clint Holmes and successfully found forever homes for all 52 contestants while raising more than $225,000 for the organization.
Guests were welcomed with a live performance by the cast of Tony award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet, who performed hit show tunes including renditions of “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley and more. Clint Holmes was joined by local news personalities who presented a variety of categories featuring incredible shelter dogs. Presenters included KVVU’s John Huck, KLAS’ Denise Valdez, KTNV’s Beth Fisher, KSNV’s Gerard Ramalho, and Univision’s Leticia Castro. The female presenters were accompanied onstage by two dashing gentlemen from Chippendales. Also in attendance was Mayor Carolyn Goodman who donated to The Animal Foundation earlier in the week as part of Nevada’s Big Give.
Longtime supporter of The Animal Foundation Holly Madison presided over the Special Needs category, which featured two unique tripod dogs seeking adoption. The new mom wowed in a colorful floral dress and strappy pink Charlotte Olympia shoes propped by mini poodle heels. Backstage, the blonde bombshell posed for photos with contestants from the Puppy Parade category while greeting fans. Siegfreid and Roy also stepped on stage where they were honored for their steadfast commitment to animals of all sizes and species as well as their vast contributions to The Animal Foundation’s community mission.
The Cinderella story of the day was the successful adoption of Chance, a Shih Tzu mix and Special Needs contestant, who underwent a generously donated surgery by Dr. David Mason of Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center. The surgery corrected a genetic condition in Chance’s hind legs and restored him back to official “tripod” status with full use of three legs. A local family bid on Chance and welcomed him into their home at the conclusion of the event.
Winners from each category were awarded by applause, and the coveted title of “Best In Show” went to Sharlie, a beautiful two-year-old female Mastiff mix. The show was concluded by an auction-style process, where interested attendees headed backstage to big on their favorite contestants. Each one of the 52 dogs found a new and loving home to call their own. Successful bidders were required to complete The Animal Foundation’s standard adoption process, in which they are evaluated for suitability by adoption counselors.
In addition to the fifty-two contestants with new homes, The Animal Foundation successfully found forever homes for 128 animals as part of the Best In Show Adoption Weekend, which offered discounted adoption fees on all dogs over two years and all cats over one year.
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